January 2006

Members present: Dan Miller, Pat Miller, Fran Cella, Bill Briska, Karen Bach, Chris Bach, Glenna Preradovic, Doug Tomsha, Jean Bednar, Laura Knoerr, Sue Awot, Pat McIntire (and Ansonia McIntire), Joe Kjellander, Deborah Allan, and Dianne Rieken.
Others present: Linda Voss.
Meeting started at 7:10 p.m. with an introduction of new officers. Glenna Preradovic was introduced as the new treasurer, filling a vacant post. Karen Bach is secretary. Deborah Allan is Vice-President. Joe Kjellender is the At-Large member and Chris Bach is the “old” At-Large member. Pat Segal is past president.
A very succinct Treasurer’s report was given – $7,782.35. Some talk ensued about 132 N. Channing concerning its next mortgage payment and insurance costs. (Please tell everyone you know about this marvelous property – more info is available on the GPA website.)
Dan Miller spoke about his two primary goals during his current presidency. His first goal is to have our association make a difference in the neighborhood. He cited two instances where GPA has and could have a visible impact, leaf pick-up and traffic/parking…(Secretary’s note – three dots in the recorded minutes indicates endless rambling.) Dan’s second goal is to build a sense of community within the district. He wants to focus on everyone getting to know their neighbors and for each of us to feel enabled to join a committee, or several committees…
Dan and several other past committee chairpersons went on to explain the various committees available to our many dedicated and erstwhile members. Sign-up sheets were passed around and those present signed up for lots of the committees. They also signed up lots of hapless spouses who had the misfortune to not be present at the meeting. The following is a listing of GPA committees and a brief explanation of the duties of each committee. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, and were not lucky enough to have someone else sign you up, please contact Dan Miller.
Housewalk Committee – Fran Cella has agreed to once again chair this committee. She spoke about this being our 25th anniversary of the house tour and some potential tie-ins to highlight this milestone. The housewalk is not only our major fundraiser, but it is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the many beautiful, historic homes in Elgin. Over 400 volunteers are needed in various capacities to plan and implement this major event.
Membership Committee – Pat Miller has been the Membership Chairperson in the past and is interested in holding this position again. She spoke of reaching out to new people in the neighborhood through personal contact. Pat set up a date of Sunday, January 29th at 1 p.m. to get out and knock on doors. If you are interested in meeting at the Miller house to help drum up interest and awareness of GPA on that date, please contact Pat. Also, please forward the names and addresses of any new neighbors you may have to Pat as you become aware of them.
Refreshment Committee – Dan would like this committee to be comprised of more than one person. The main event that is coordinated by the refreshment committee is the membership potluck dinner held in April. A detailed list of responsibilities was compiled by former committee chairperson, Paul Durrenberger. Contact Dan Miller if you are interested in this fun position and to see Paul’s must-do list.
Program Committee – This committee would be responsible for arranging and scheduling special programs and guest speakers for each of the general membership meetings. Topics would include subjects of interest to our membership. If the committee finds topics and speakers that have a broader appeal, they could also plan larger, community-wide events.
Gazette – This committee would be involved with writing, publishing, and distributing a quarterly newsletter that helps our neighborhood learn about GPA and keeps them apprised of our many activities.
Historic District Committee – Both Fran Cella and Pat Miller spoke eloquently about the many possibilities for this committee. Its purpose is to promote projects in the neighborhood and to improve and enhance the historic district. Committee members often work with the city to eliminate problems. Fran discussed the Neighborhood Planning Grant that GPA received and how this committee can participate. Neighborhood input has been gathered and the next step is to develop recomendations to address these needs. Other upcoming issues include the Channing Park upgrade, Grandview, and the YMCA property. Karen Bach butted in that this committee has also been responsible for fun events such as Nite in the Park and Porchfest.
Publicity – This committee would create press releases for our meeting, events, etc. They could also help with advertising the housewalk.
Dream Team – A dynamic name for a dynamic committee! These are the people who are not afraid to search out and help purchase and rehab the worst of the worst problem properties in the district. All members are supplied with rose-colored glasses free of charge. Dan added that Mark Billings suggested we team up with NHS to do less involved projects.
Salvage – Dan announced that we just completed our 50th salvage! Members of this committee help to advertise and arrange the salvaging of buildings in our area which are to be torn down using the bidding system that has been so successful for us in the past.
Great Unveiling/Preservation Week – Committee members work to find a homeowner in the district who would like his substitute siding removed. They also arrange the day-long event which includes the use of volunteer labor, a picnic lunch and a thousand dollar pay-off from the city of Elgin!
Home Marketing – Jennifer Shroder has agreed to chair this committee and will be adding houses that are for sale to the GPA website.
Dan would like to end each of the meetings with a short brainstorming session where those present can present new ideas or just vent. A moment of silence ensued.
A motion to adjourn was made by Fran Cella and seconded by Glenna Preradovic.
Everyone was invited to the Miller home at 155 S. Gifford for an After Party.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE FEBRUARY 16, 2006 IN ROOM 339 OF THE U-46 ADMINISTRATION BUILDING LOCATED AT 355 E. CHICAGO STREET AT 7:00 P.M. MAYOR ED SCHOCK WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER. HE WILL ADDRESS THE GROUP ABOUT THE PLANS FOR FESTIVAL PARK AND THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE CROCKER THEATRE SITE AND THE OLD LIBRARY SITE.
FOLLOWING THE MEETING, THE AFTER PARTY WILL BE AT THE HOME OF PAUL AND JEAN BEDNAR, 16 RUGBY PLACE.
LOVELLTON SALVAGE – FEBRUARY 18 – 20. VIEWING AND BIDDING IS 8 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18. Minutes respectfully submitted by Karen Bach, GPA secretary. 1/23/06